- Frank Seravalli says the Ducks, Blackhawks and Flyers are all interested in John Carlson
- Philadelphia is reportedly ready to pay around $8 million a year on a short-term deal
- Read below for what Carlson brings and where he could land on July 1
John Carlson is going to have options this summer.
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported that three teams are already lined up for the veteran defenseman ahead of July 1: the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Philadelphia Flyers. All three have young rosters on the rise and a clear hole on the right side of the blue line.
Philadelphia might be the most aggressive of the bunch. Daily Faceoff was told the Flyers are willing to go around $8 million a year if Carlson wants a two-year deal. Their power play has ranked near the bottom of the league for years, and a defenseman who can quarterback a unit from the point is exactly what they have been missing.
Anaheim would like to run it back. Carlson has already said he is open to re-signing with the Ducks, but Seravalli noted the team will likely have to pay more than it wants to keep him.
Carlson, 36, spent his entire career in Washington before the Capitals traded him to Anaheim at the deadline. He posted 14 goals and 60 points in 71 games between the two teams this season, then chipped in six assists across 12 playoff games for the Ducks.
The move west also handed him a career first. After 1,156 games, Carlson finally landed a hat trick, scoring three times in a 6-1 win over San Jose in April. Watch all three:
He talked about the long-awaited milestone after the game.
“I’ve obviously always wanted one. I think it was a good game to do it in, a home game,” Carlson said.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has also reported that Carlson wants to get back to the East Coast after his short stint in Southern California, which only adds fuel to the Flyers’ pursuit.
With Philadelphia ready to spend and Anaheim not wanting to lose him, Carlson should not sit on the market long once free agency opens.
